The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority intends to expand the list of engineering and construction companies that will be able to participate in tenders for reconstruction of berthing infrastructure in Ukrainian seaports, the CFTS reports, citing information from the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority estimates the volume of such reconstruction work at about USD 5 billion.

"We have a short-term plan for development of the engineering infrastructure at seaports. We are ready to present it to potential contractors and leading construction companies, discuss it with them, and, of course, receive constructive proposals from market participants…" the Ukrainian Seaports Authority’s head Raivis Veckagans said. In this context, the management of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority will meet with leading regional and international engineering and construction companies that specialize in reconstruction of berthing infrastructure.

"Berthing infrastructure should work to ensure a balance between the interests of business and the state. Of course, rehabilitation and development of port facilities should be performed predictably, professionally, and transparently. Therefore, we want to involve not only Ukrainian companies, as was previously the case, but also contractors from other countries – Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, China, and others – in such engineering works," Veckagans said.

According to estimates by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, more than 80% of the berths in Ukrainian seaports require minor or major repairs and about 20% of them require restoration in the near future.

In addition, according to Veckagans, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority is holding cooperation talks with Ukrainian representatives of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). The talks are expected to result in establishment of cooperation on the use of international contracts forms for dredging works (the Blue Book) and engineering works (the Red Book). 

As reported, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has expressed support for introduction FIDIC standards for implementation of dredging projects in Ukrainian seaports. The financial institution is willing to share its experience in this area, EBRD senior banker Mark Magaletsky said on Ukrainian Dredging Day.